Search - Night Ranger :: Neverland

4 1/2 stars--great to have them back!

Brad | CT | 02/19/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I was excited back in 1997 when I heard that the original Night Ranger lineup was getting back together and putting out new material. After 10 years between albums with this lineup (remember--the keyboardist Alan Fitgerald wasn't with them for 1988's awesome "Man In Motion" and only two of them were on 1995's very good "Feeding Off The Mojo"), I was happy to see that the band hadn't lost their touch. Sure the sound is a bit more mellow and modern, but for the times it is still very good."Forever All Over Again" is the opening track and only single I heard on radio at all off this album (and very briefly). For sure, it is a surprise to have a ballad like this open up the album, but it is a very nice track. Then at track 2 comes the rocking title track. Good stuff--the band clearly showed it may still have its edge here. But the first time I heard this album I got concerned with the pace upon hearing tracks 3 and 4. "As Always I Remain" and "Someday I Will", while both also very solid tracks, are quite acoustic and mellow in nature. Had the hard rock left this band?Well, after only 1 rocker in the first 4 tracks, I would call 5 of the final 7 tracks solid rockers. "New York Time" is a solid rock track that brings back memories of the '80s version of the band. "Walk In The Future" has a slightly modern sound but is pretty mellow and a bit reminiscent of Shaw/Blades. "Slap Like Being Born" is also a bit modern in tone but a surefire rocker with an interesting sound and lyric. At track 10, "Anything For You" looks like it's positioned to be a ballad due to the name of the song and placement on the album, but it in fact is one of the hardest rockers on the album--great track. Right after that comes the closing track "I Don't Call This Love", another surefire quality rocker.I can't honestly state that this album is quite as good as the vintage 1980s material, but it sure is more than worth the listen if you are or were a fan of this band. The sound is a bit updated and a bit more mellow but overall true to the roots and history of the band. Worth the purchase, for sure, if you are craving new material from a favorite '80s melodic hard rock band."

'80s legend returns to give '90s big AOR kick!

Chris Stuvek (HBLhome@aol.com) | Seattle, WA | 07/07/1998

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Nearly a decade after the original lineup's last studio album, Neverland marks the return of Night Ranger, one of the biggest AOR acts of the '80s.Unlike many other '80s rock bands, the members of Night Ranger have kept themselves busy during their breakup. Most notably, bassist and vocalist Jack Blades recorded two albums with the supergroup Damn Yankees and keyboardist Alan Fitzgerald toured with Van Halen as their behind-the-curtain keyboardist. Guitarist Jeff Watson has released a few solo albums, including two with the band Mothers Army. Guitarist Brad Gillis and drummer Kelly Keagy have recorded and toured as Night Ranger during the early '90s.The release of Neverland brings classic Night Ranger back to the airwaves. Although not likely to win over any new fans, those '80s children who loved the '80s Night Ranger will thoroughly enjoy the classic AOR sounds from this band. All the guitar work is here, as well as the perfect mix of rockers and ballads.The first single, "Forever All Over Again" is an instant classic and radio-friendly tune. This new CD proves that although older, wiser, and more road-tested, the 10-year absence didn't diminish the group's creativity. Neverland is classic night Ranger and proves that in a time of R&B and bubble-gum bands dominating the airwaves, there is at least one band proving "You Can Still Rock in America!""

Takes a few listens

Kuhlinayn | 05/17/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"Night Ranger has been my favorite band ever since Sister Christian grabbed me and I have loved everything I have listened too from them short of the Gary Moon days. This CD gets mostly mediocre reviews and even have had some call it "Night Ranger does Country" and say Jack's writing is uninspired. When I first listened to it I had to agree but I think that is because I was looking for it. After listening to it a few times it really starts to grow on you and you can hear flashes of different eras in the NR timeline. This is by far one of my favorite CD's I have recently purchased and it fits Brad's quote in a magazine years ago about what type of "metal" would they classify themselves as - "Night Ranger is Stainless Steel Rock n Roll...Guaranteed not to Rust!" Give it a shot and more than one or 2 passes on the player and I am sure you will come to see it as I have."